Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Society of Architects (USA), the country’s premier professional body for architects, has expressed serious concerns over the newly tabled Building Control (Amendment) Bill, 2025, while also launching a groundbreaking partnership with the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries (UGAPAFOCI) to co-host a Joint National Symposium.
Themed “Sustainable Architecture and the Creative Economy: Driving Uganda’s GDP Growth Through Design, Film, Music, Fashion, Digital Media, and Cultural Heritage,” the high-level event is set to take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Architects Alarmed by Exclusion in Building Control Bill
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the symposium, Arch. Jacquiline Namayanja, President of the Uganda Society of Architects, voiced strong opposition to specific clauses in the Building Control (Amendment) Bill currently before Parliament.
“We’ve been engaging with the powers behind this bill, but despite our input, it has gone ahead with clauses that sideline architects from critical stages of the building approval process,” she said. “This is deeply worrying. The new bill eliminates architects from a position that was previously protected, yet architects are fundamental to sustainable city development, functional space design, and cultural relevance in construction.”
Namayanja emphasized that removing architects from the center of public building oversight would fuel urban chaos, compromise safety, and degrade architectural quality across Uganda.
“Architecture isn’t just about drawing buildings. We train for years through university, experience, and professional exams—to ensure buildings are not only safe but also culturally and environmentally responsive. Letting unqualified individuals approve our work is not only disrespectful—it’s dangerous,” she warned.
Announcing the Joint Symposium: Architecture Meets the Creative Economy
In a more uplifting development, the Uganda Society of Architects announced a strategic collaboration with UGAPAFOCI for the first-ever Joint National Symposium. The event will explore how architecture and creative industries can jointly propel Uganda’s economic growth and national identity.
The symposium will feature keynote addresses from Arch. Fida Sassi of ENAU Tunisia, and thought leaders from Kenya and Zambia, alongside prominent Ugandan creatives. The agenda includes:
- A presentation on the Uganda Museum Project
- Two high-level panels on sustainable cities and creative industry financing
- Expert discussions on intellectual property rights, heritage conservation, and digital innovation
- A vibrant B2B networking session and sponsor showcases
“This is more than an architectural event, it’s a call for all creatives to collaborate,” said Arch. Namayanja. “We’re not just talking about buildings. We’re talking about music, fashion, film, and digital media—all crucial to Uganda’s identity and economy.”
The symposium is open to the public, with an attendance fee of UGX 250,000, and registration details available through the Uganda Society of Architects.
Hon. Racheal Magoola: “Architecture Is a Creative Industry”
Hon. Racheal Magoola, Chairperson of UGAPAFOCI and Member of Parliament, emphasized the importance of recognizing architects as part of Uganda’s broader creative economy.
“Every time I travel, I notice how buildings in other countries reflect their culture. In Uganda, that identity is missing. Architecture is part of who we are and a powerful tool in tourism and cultural branding,” she said.
She highlighted the fragmentation of the creative economy across six ministries, which has led to underfunding, poor coordination, and lack of data on its real contribution to GDP.
“Right now, creative industries contribute about 4.1% to Uganda’s GDP, but we know it can be much higher. The problem is, no one is counting,” she added. “From film to fashion to music—architecture is the thread that connects them all. It’s time we worked together to unlock our full potential.”
Magoola also pointed out the need for legal reforms and proper policy frameworks to support creatives and ensure intellectual property is protected.
Industry Players Eager to Engage: Voices from the Private Sector
Private sector stakeholders have welcomed the symposium as a timely intervention. Pearl Kengaju, General Manager of Casements Africa Ltd, stressed the importance of proper standards and public awareness.
“We’ve seen buildings collapse because people used wrong materials or ignored specifications. Many clients only consider price, not safety or longevity,” she said. “This symposium gives us a platform to educate the market and connect directly with architects and developers.”
Kengaju emphasized that architecture is the vision, and companies like Casements are the execution arm dealing in steel, glass, aluminum, and wood. She noted that clients often desire trendy designs without understanding environmental or structural implications.
“We see people installing curtain walls where they don’t belong—leading to disasters. Architects can prevent this. That’s why it’s vital they are respected and involved from day one,” she added.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
- Venue: Sheraton Kampala Hotel
- Theme: Sustainable Architecture and the Creative Economy
- Attendance Fee: UGX 250,000
- Register: Visit Uganda Society of Architects website (Link placeholder)
